Zimbabwe's Economy Collapses: Why Do Citizens Still Believe in Urban Legends of Prosperity? [International Analysis]

It is typical for countries to possess myths or stories that serve as the foundation of their identity. nationalism , or how they see themselves as a political community. These widespread stories frequently stem from an idyllic or glorified perspective of history. In Zimbabwe, this is particularly evident, where national legends about its urban sophistication and economic uniqueness have endured over time despite contrasting realities.

The concept of urban modernity traces back to colonial periods. When gaining independence in 1980 after a liberation struggle, from 1965 to 1979 , Zimbabwe's economy was looking strong. Urban residents, especially, could think of themselves as modern: they had middle- and working-class lifestyles, social protection, social mobility opportunities and fixed working hours. Urban modernity meant order, steady employment, education.

Zimbabwe's economy stood out in sub-Saharan Africa: diversified and robust .

Nevertheless, swift socio-economic transformations occurred during the 1990s and 2000s. Zimbabwe faced a sequence of challenges as a result. economic, financial, and political downturns This resulted in the demise of urban middle- and working-class modernity and the emergence of conspicuous informal economic activities In the city environment. By 2004, over 80% of people engaged in unstructured work activities in Zimbabwe.

My PhD thesis In 2021, an examination was conducted into how Harare has transitioned towards informality and the effects of this transformation on individuals’ daily experiences as citizens. The study involved interviews with various participants from 2016 to 2018, including street vendors, cross-border merchants, industry representatives, community groups, organizations within the informal economy, municipal officials, and city planners.

These interviews serve as the foundation for my recent work. research paper My analysis aimed to explore how individuals grapple with the reality that present conditions do not align with their beliefs about urban nationalism.

In times of crisis, individuals reassess traditional concepts and modify them to align with their current circumstances. Through this process, their perspectives on urban modernization and economic uniqueness evolve. Concurrently, these people recall an era when their nation experienced robust economic success. Such recollections influence their visions for the country’s upcoming years—while also prompting skepticism towards the administration, as it falls short of meeting those historical standards.

What significance do the myths of urban modernity and economic exceptionalism hold in contemporary Zimbabwe? While some individuals adhere to the early postcolonial ideas promoted by the government, others grudgingly embrace economic informality with an aim to elevate the concept of the informal sector. There are also those who contest the belief that street vending lacks sufficient modernity and formality.

The widespread casual approach was viewed as a short-term trend that would quickly dissipate. Afterward, the nation was expected to revert to a contemporary urban way of life accompanied by a robust economy.

Grappling with informality

In 2016-2018, numerous respondents viewed "being employed" and "having a job" as involving steady work with regular paychecks, along with enjoying job stability and social benefits.

Meanwhile, individuals grudgingly embraced economic informality along with the alterations it brought into their daily existence, all while striving to elevate the perception of the informal sector. For instance, certain associations within the informal sector endeavored to educate their members about viewing their operations as legitimate businesses and regarding themselves as entrepreneurs, as I detailed in prior documentation. paper .

Read more: In what ways do organizations within the informal sector in Zimbabwe influence concepts of citizenship?

Certain participants distinguished between economic practices deemed suitable within downtown areas versus those considered inappropriate. Their views mirrored earlier postcolonial concepts implemented by authorities. For instance, they argued that sidewalk trading ought not to take place in central locations but should be confined to specific zones outside of these bustling urban centers and also allowed in neighborhoods where residents live.

However, some street vendors challenged the idea that vending on streets was too informal and unrefined for contemporary times. By dressing sharply, they aimed to demonstrate that selling goods on the street could be seen as a "modern" practice and integrate into the primary economic sphere.

The tale of the city's contemporary legend

In the early stages of colonial rule during the late 1800s and early 1900s, the colonizers had plans for the cities to remain "white" Unless Africans resided within their employers' premises, they had to reside in specific areas. dedicated areas .

Meanwhile, the colonial authorities implemented and imposed the idea of " order In Salisbury, which is now known as Harare, the capital city, such punishment was inflicted. individuals who are economically disadvantaged, marginalized, and without homes The same applies to economic and social activities considered undesirable.

Today, over 32% Of those living in Zimbabwe, inhabitants of urban regions constitute.

The founding in the 1930s of the African middle class played a crucial role in the development of urban modernity. Most individuals aiming to be part of this movement primarily utilized education as a means for upward social mobility.

Read more: Study probes young Zimbabweans' sentiments on devalued education system: research reveals their thoughts

After independence In 1980, the cities were deracialised . Anyone could freely access and utilize the cityscape. However, the new administration nonetheless held tight control And determined who was allowed in the city.

Numerous operations The operations aimed at clearing the streets of "unwanted" individuals and behaviors were carried out from the 1980s. For example , informal settlements were eliminated. Numerous women were detained under the pretense of purging the city of prostitution. The most infamous cleanup campaign was the 2005 Operation Murambatsvina It effectively penalized everyone deemed as " unproductive And unworthy of being in the city.

Read more: Canines in the metropolis: tracking Zimbabwe's urban past

These stringent and, to be honest, harsh norms of contemporary urban life have a lengthy legacy in Zimbabwe and were integrated into its urban nationalist ethos.

Economic exceptionalism

Colonial and early postcolonial Zimbabwe possessed distinctive characteristics diversified The economy boasts robust mining, agriculture, and industry sectors. In Zimbabwe, the manufacturing segment played a significant role. 25% of the GDP by 1974 .

Even with the economic downturn, it remains widely believed that Zimbabwe's industrial sector was second only to South Africa within Sub-Saharan Africa and that Zimbabwe was referred to as "the breadbasket" Africa .

However, manufacturing in colonial Zimbabwe benefited only a few white industrialists. Black Zimbabweans were left without the opportunities . They were unable to possess lucrative manufacturing enterprises or obtain financing .

Following independence, the administration implemented considerable efforts To remove racial distinctions from the economy and public services.

The present

Early notions of urban modernity and economic exceptionalism in postcolonial contexts faced significant challenges in Zimbabwe. However, individuals strive to imbue these concepts with fresh significance amid evolving social and economic landscapes. Many remain hesitant to acknowledge that informality has irrevocably transformed the nation. Numerous interviewees sought methods to preserve the essence of modernity and economic exceptionalism despite changing conditions.

The continuity and transformation of urban nationalist myths also bring up issues of legitimacy. Here, the focus is on the legitimacy of unofficial economic activities and the government’s legitimacy for failing to support these myths.

Concepts can wield significant influence over individuals' comprehension of the political society they are part of. When these principles fail to be realized, people seek fresh significance within their tangible world, allowing them either to cling to traditional notions or reshape those concepts anew.

Kristina Pikovskaia , recipient of the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship at the University of Edinburgh

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